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Robertson's All-Star outing a highlight

Robertson's All-Star outing a highlight

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Roberston's scoreless frame 1:14

7/12/11: David Robertson keeps the NL scoreless in the second inning

By Bryan Hoch
/
MLB.com |

PHOENIX -- Dave Robertson's emergency appearance in the National League's 5-1 All-Star Game win over the American League on Tuesday highlighted the Yankees' evening, as the right-hander twirled a scoreless second inning in his Midsummer Classic debut.

Robertson was pressed into service without much notice, as Red Sox right-hander Josh Beckett started to warm up in the bullpen but was unable to pitch due to soreness in his left knee.

Having barely sat down in the bullpen, Robertson was told to prepare in a hurry, which seemed appropriate considering the circumstances which brought him to Chase Field.

"It seems like everything has been really quick, really fast," Robertson said. "I'm glad I got to pitch in an All-Star Game. It's something that if it never happens again, I still got to throw in an All-Star Game."

The owner of a 1.27 ERA in 38 appearances this year, Robertson was a last-minute addition to the AL roster on Sunday, replacing injured Rays pitcher David Price.

That forced Robertson to happily abandon his plans of fishing and lounging in Connecticut, instead flying to Phoenix on Monday to cheer on teammate Robinson Cano, who won the State Farm Home Run Derby.

"Just being around all these guys here [on the AL team], I may never get a chance to play with them again," Robertson said. "I think kind of hanging out and talking, that's just a good experience."

Right fielder Jose Bautista immediately gave Robertson some help with a sliding catch in foul territory, retiring Brian McCann for Robertson's first All-Star out, which the hurler applauded by clapping into his glove behind the mound.

Former Yankees teammate Lance Berkman singled to center field off Robertson but was retired attempting to steal second on a strikeout, throw-out double play, with Matt Holliday going down looking.

"It was as good as it could get," Robertson said.

One night after slugging 32 home runs to wrestle the Derby championship away from Adrian Gonzalez of the Red Sox, Cano went hitless in two at-bats, unable to get the ball out of the infield.

Cano grounded to first base facing Lee in the third inning and did the same against Clayton Kershaw in the fifth.

"It's always disappointing to lose," Cano said. "Where I come from, everything is about winning. But I had fun and enjoyed getting to talk to guys from other teams. We enjoyed it and [are] looking forward to next year."

This was the second consecutive year that Cano drew the start at second base for the AL and his third overall selection, also having been named an All-Star in 2006.

Because of the Home Run Derby showing, however, Cano said this experience was his biggest blast.

"So far, yeah," Cano said. "Now you're enjoying yourself more, when you put on that kind of show and win it. I would say this is my favorite so far."

Leading off and playing center field for the AL, Curtis Granderson grounded out to first base against Roy Halladay on the first pitch of the game, then bounced to second base facing Cliff Lee in the fourth inning.

Finishing 0-for-2, Granderson was making his second All-Star appearance and first fan-voted start, having also represented the AL in 2009.

"It was great," Granderson said. "The fans voted it, so it was an honor and a privilege to get a chance to be voted by them. Thank you to the fans out there for acknowledging what I've done up to this point. I enjoyed every moment of it."

Russell Martin, who was a player-elected reserve for the AL squad, did not appear, missing a chance to make his first appearance on the AL roster after having made two previous appearances behind the plate for the NL in 2007 and '08.

"I definitely feel more established than before," Martin said. "I was a really young kid the first couple of times. I feel like I've been around the block a little bit and know the ins and outs, and the guys that are here a little bit. It's good to be back."

The Yankees also had four other players named to the AL All-Star team who were not present for Tuesday's festivities.

Shortstop Derek Jeter, third baseman Alex Rodriguez and closer Mariano Rivera bowed out due to injuries, and left-hander CC Sabathia was selected but unable to pitch under Major League Baseball's rules after starting for the Yankees on Sunday.

"You know Jeter, CC and those guys would love to be here right now," Cano said. "You guys have to understand, [Jeter] needs to get his treatment and he needs to rest. I wish he would have been here.

"I know I need my captain for the season, not here."

Bryan Hoch is a reporter for MLB.com. Follow him on Twitter at @bryanhoch. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Baseball or its clubs.